News Briefs—Look Who's Hiring!

Vivia Chen

April 12, 2013

News from the job mart:

Attention: Bored, under-appreciated Big Law associates. The U.S. Department of Justice will be adding "dozens of attorney positions" in 2014, reports the Legal Times blog. Justice wants more bodies to police cybersecurity,
financial and mortgage fraud, and international intellectual property.

Here's the projected breakdown:

1. Criminal division: 31 new attorneys to work on cybercrime,
financial crime, and
intellectual property threats.

2. Civil division: 32 new attorneys to work on mortgage and financial crime.

But if you're an antitrust lawyer, you're out of luck. Ten lawyers are expected to be cut in that division.

Where lawyers are needed—and respected. If you're not in the running for a job at Justice or have simply burned out on the big-city law scene, saddle up and head for the heartland.

Remember how we told you that there's a lawyer shortage in Nebraska and North Dakota? Well, apparently, rural America in general is in dire need of lawyers. The New York Times reports that rural America has only 2 percent of the nation's lawyers, though it makes up one-fifth of the population. South Dakota, for one, has started a program for 16 lawyers that pays an annual subsidy of $12,000.

Hey, I know $12,000 seems like a pittance, and living in Bennett County, South Dakota, doesn't match the glamour of Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, or even Cleveland—but it is a job. Plus, your work would probably be much more appreciated.

It's about love, not money. So what's motivating people to go to law school in a job market where only 55 percent of law grads get law jobs? Would you believe a burning passion for the profession?

- 71 percent say they are applying to law school “to go into a career I am
passionate about.”

- Only 5 percent cite salary as the primary
reason.

- 50 percent say they plan to use their law degree in a nontraditional legal field.

Since when did law school applicants get so "passionate" and altruistic about law? Since the recession, apparently. The Wall Street Journal Law Blog
notes that in 2008, "before the financial
crisis and three years before law schools were forced to come clean
with more accurate job placement data," students were much more up front
about being materialistic. Back then, "73 percent said earning potential
was an important factor in their decision to pursue a law degree."

So here's the real test about how "passionate" you are about being a lawyer: Do you want it bad enough to go to some hick community where lawyers probably make not much more money than the firefighter or the hardware store owner? I didn't think so.

Take that as a sign.

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The Careerist's chief blogger, Vivia Chen, at
VChen@alm.com.

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About The Careerist

The Careerist takes an inside look at how lawyers shape their careers and manage their lives. The blog aims to dissect developments in the profession, provide useful information and advice, and give lawyers a platform to voice their views. The goal is to provide a fresh, provocative take on the state of lawyering.

About Vivia Chen

Vivia Chen, The Careerist's chief blogger, has been covering the business and culture of law firms for a decade. A former corporate lawyer, Chen is fascinated by those who thrive (as well as those who don't) in the legal profession. Her take: Success in the law (and life) doesn't always travel a linear path. If you have topics you'd like to discuss or information to share, contact her: VChen@alm.com